Jacob Saenz, a recent Columbia College Chicago Poetry major graduate (B.A. '06), has a new poem, "Sweeping the States," in this month's issue of Poetry magazine. He's also the featured poet on Poetry's website and on PoetryFoundation.org's blog Harriet today. I asked Jacob to answer a few questions over email, and he dispensed all the wisdom of one who has made it through that open yet ever-elusive door.
How many times had you submitted to Poetry before “Sweeping the States” was accepted?
None. This was my first time.
How did you choose which poems to send to Poetry?
I submitted poems that were different from each other, whether in form, language, tone, etc. I tried to offer them a variety of work that still maintained my voice. I also submitted poems that had received good feedback from my writing group, whose opinions I value greatly.
How did you find out your poem was accepted?
I actually found out the morning after the letter was delivered. Before I showered, I saw the envelope from Poetry and it was thicker & larger than most rejection letters I receive. I waited till after I showered to open it but I felt pretty good that at least one of my poems was accepted, considering the size of the mail. When I opened it, my good feeling was confirmed, which prompted me to raise my fists in the air and holler a “Hell Yeah!” I was really excited and honored.
Did the editors give you any feedback on the poem?
Christian Wiman actually hand wrote a brief response to the poem, congratulating me on a well-crafted piece.
What are you working on now?
No major projects. Just simply working on individual poems and bettering my craft.
Do you have any other publications coming up that we can look out for?
Sadly, no.
Do you have advice for Poetry majors about submitting their work?
As cliché as it sound, just do it. Read work from a particular magazine and send in poems which you think might fit their aesthetic. If you feel your work doesn’t fit with the magazine, send in your best work anyway and make them fit. Also, buy lots of stamps.
What’s the most important thing about writing that you learned while a Poetry major at Columbia College?
I believe in the importance of establishing a writing group. I wouldn’t be writing as well had I not been part of a group, whether in the classroom or out. I value the opinion of my peers very much. They not only make me a better writer but also a better reader, even of my own work. I also want to note that my peers and I met at Columbia College where we established a group outside of our academic workshops.
What’s your day job?
I work for Columbia College’s Library as an Acquisitions Assistant. Basically, I buy books, movies, music and video games.
How do you nurture your writing life when writing poems is no longer an “assignment”?
Like I stated earlier, being part of a group helps a lot. Though I’m no longer writing poems as an “assignment”, meeting regularly prompts me a bit to have a draft ready for the group. Still, there are times, weeks even, when the writing doesn’t come as easy. Some days are better than others but when it comes, I try to take advantage and write down as much as I can. That way I’ll always have something to bring to the group, no matter how old the piece is.
0 comments:
Post a Comment